Holiday Magic in Downtown Rochester: Events & Experiences Near the Kahler Grand Hotel
Downtown Rochester transforms for the holidays every November and December — and staying at the Kahler Grand Hotel puts you right in the center of all the sparkle. From parades and markets to cookie decorating and ballet performances, the city turns into a festive playground you can explore without ever needing to move your car.
Here’s your insider guide to the real events happening steps from the Kahler Grand Hotel this holiday season.
Festival of Trees – Public Viewing Day
The Festival of Trees is one of Rochester’s most beloved holiday traditions, featuring dozens of decorated trees created by local businesses, artists, and community groups.
Public Event Date:
Saturday, November 22 — 10 AM to 8 PM
It’s wholesome, it’s festive, and it’s literally minutes from the Kahler Grand.
Rochester Winter Market – Official 2025 Holiday Schedule
Your go-to spot for local gifts, holiday treats, handmade goods, and seasonal food — all downtown and walkable from the hotel.
Holiday Market Dates:
- Sunday, November 30 — 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday, December 5 — 12 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday, December 6 — 10 AM to 9 PM (Dickensian Christmas Festival)
- Sunday, December 7 — 10 AM to 6 PM (Dickensian Christmas Festival)
Perfect for last-minute gifts or just vibing with holiday energy.
2nd Annual Downtown Dazzle Parade
One of the biggest moments of the season — festive floats, lights, music, performers, and that full “small-town Christmas magic” energy.
Saturday, December 6
Parade starts at 5:30 PM
BUT — before you grab a spot on the sidewalk…
Cookie Decorating Party at the Kahler Grand
Kick off Dazzle Parade Saturday with a cozy, family-friendly pre-parade event right here at the hotel.
Saturday, December 6
Starts at 3 PM
At Elizabethan Ballroom
Includes:
✔ Cookie decorating
✔ Hot cocoa bar
✔ Holiday movies
✔ Photo ops
✔ A warm, fun way to start the evening
Open to guests AND the public.
Pricing:
- $5 per kit, Adults Free
Breakfast with Santa at the North Stone Kitchen
Happening at our sister property North Stone Kitchen, just a few minutes away.
Sunday, December 7
10:30 AM – 2:00 PM
✨ Buffet
✨ Live music
✨ Photos with Santa
✨ Holiday activities for kids
Pricing:
- Adults: $45
- Kids 5–12: $22
- Kids under 5: Free
A perfect Sunday morning holiday outing.
The Nutcracker at Mayo Civic Center
This year’s performance features over 75 local youth ballet dancers, magical costumes, and all the nostalgia you want from a Nutcracker weekend.
Showtimes:
- Saturday, December 6 @ 2 PM
- Saturday, December 6 @ 6 PM
- Sunday, December 7 @ 2 PM
Tickets available starting:
Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10 AM
via Ticketmaster or the Mayo Civic Center Box Office.
Stay at the Kahler Grand — Your Home Base for Every Holiday Event
The Kahler Grand puts you just steps from every major holiday happening in downtown Rochester. From the Winter Market and the Downtown Dazzle Parade to Nutcracker performances and Peace Plaza lights, staying with us means you won’t miss a moment.
Wake up in the heart of downtown, walk to every event with ease, and return to warm, comfortable accommodations — no parking stress, no long drives, just festive convenience from start to finish.